I have been reading so much I lost something that I thought was so well done. Somewhere on this or another site there is a list of creature comforts to get and have on hand after surgery. Does anyone no where that can be found??

Thanks so much.. Last weekend surgery Thursday.

Frank

Frank S.

Age 53

Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>

2004 Biospy negative

2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)

10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core

Highest PSA 10

Lowest PSA 4

Current PSA 6

Bone and Ct scans negative

Staged at T1C

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008

University of Chicago

Dr. Arieh Shalhav

Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008). These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer. I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

Also, this may seem like a small thing..but I wish I had known to shave my thighs before I went in. They tape the catheter to your leg. I did it for the whole ten days of the cath being in. It is a huge saver in case the tube gets yanked on - the tape on your leg stops it from yanking all the way up. You alternate legs every day. Hair free is much less irritating and painful tape removal.

I had perineal surgery on Feb 20 and here are a few items that I found useful:

For the catheter mounting, I used the 3" wide bandage wrap that sticks to itself. I could easily wrap this around my leg and it secured the hose very well. It gave enough to allow for easy movement, and I only had to replace once a day. Just be sure to get a name brand or it may not stick well enough.

You may not have the issues I did, but a trip to your local medical supply store should get you the following goodies - mainly used for ostomy patients, and works good for babies as well. Aloe Vesta cleansing foam by ConvaTec, and zinc oxide based Calmoseptine Ointment (www.calmoseptineointment.com).

Thank you all so much. I new I asked at the right place. I am going shopping my last weekend hear and did not want to forget anything. Thanks a million.

Happy Easter

FrankFrank S.

Age 53

Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>

2004 Biospy negative

2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)

10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core

Highest PSA 10

Lowest PSA 4

Current PSA 6

Bone and Ct scans negative

Staged at T1C

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008

University of Chicago

Dr. Arieh Shalhav

Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008). These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer. I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

I also took my own night robe to the hospital. The nurses and helpers there get you out of bed pretty soon after surgery and usually want you to make a couple of laps around the hallways. I found that my own robe was much more modest and much easier to put on myself than the hospital "gowns."

All the best thoughts and prayers to you for a successful surgery, Frank!

I was making my list and that will be added. Oh man thanks.. I see you had your surgery on your 54 B'day. Well my B'day is tuesday and surgery thursday, my 54th like you.

Thanks again....

Frank

Frank S.

Age 53

Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>

2004 Biospy negative

2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)

10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core

Highest PSA 10

Lowest PSA 4

Current PSA 6

Bone and Ct scans negative

Staged at T1C

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008

University of Chicago

Dr. Arieh Shalhav

Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008). These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer. I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

Amen to the idea of shaving your thigh. I thought I was pretty smart, I shaved my wrists where they put in the IV and tape it down and my stomach. Didn't know about the big sticky pad they use to strap on the cath. That was a ***** to get off. For many years, I gave blood 3-4 times a year and always fought with them about taping the needle down to my hairy arm.

I will be shaving today. Not too hairy am I but I will take what little I have. Fasting all day today. Tried to get all my work done before my surgery but could not so I am working from home today. I am staying very busy probably the denial thing I guess. I just dont want the depression that I have heard others have had.

Thanks again,

Wayne

Frank S.

Age 53

Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>

2004 Biospy negative

2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)

10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core

Highest PSA 10

Lowest PSA 4

Current PSA 6

Bone and Ct scans negative

Staged at T1C

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008

University of Chicago

Dr. Arieh Shalhav

Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008). These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer. I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

03-25-08 pain is back in my lower back off to the right side. Very unusual. I will be very interested after the prostate is out the 27th to see how if effects this roving/changing pain I have been having on and off.

That is the first I heard of that. I am making notes for my wife on that one.

Thanks again.

Frank

Frank S.

Age 53

Abmnormal PSA for 5 years>

2004 Biospy negative

2008 Biopsy positive (01-08-08)

10 cores, 1 positive and at 1% of that one core

Highest PSA 10

Lowest PSA 4

Current PSA 6

Bone and Ct scans negative

Staged at T1C

Gleason 3+3 = 6

Robotic Da Vinci scheduled March 27th, 2008

University of Chicago

Dr. Arieh Shalhav

Odd and unusual pain in pelvis, legs, hips, back and groin led to my insistance in another Biopsy (2008). These symptoms have greatly improved after 5 months and all Doc's do not believe that these symptoms have anything to do with my Prostate Cancer. I am not so convinced. May prove to be the most fortunate pain I have had.

03-25-08 pain is back in my lower back off to the right side. Very unusual. I will be very interested after the prostate is out the 27th to see how if effects this roving/changing pain I have been having on and off.

Hello, I am brand new to the forum. I had my biopsy done and found that 2 out of 10 showed cancer.3.3 After a 9.6 PSA. I was snet home with a lot of literature , in order to make a decision on treatment, My Doctor leaned twoard Da Vinci Prostatectomy, and I agreed with him . He doesn't know that yet I see him again on the 8th of April. I have no idea what to expect from this point on. Need so infomration. Thanks

The period of deciding what to do is very stressful. Once you decide and have a date for treatment you will feel more relaxed. This site and the links have a vast amount of information and advice. As you can see the solutions vary by person. If you are opting for surgery and have the option of selecting your surgeon by all means go with an experienced one at a hospital that does a lot of RPs. Be sure to ask about how many DaVinci's and/or number of open surgeries performed. But keep reading as much as you can so you can be familiar with the details. It was all new to all of us at some point.

Valentine08 could not have said it better. I would suggest filling out a profile of what you know to date about your situation so others can see how similar they are to you. Age is a big factor I found out in consideration as well as other technical information as shown in your profile. I just got out of surgery thursday and have information about my experience in my profile. There are so so many men and care givers that have information to help you with. Stay with us. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions.

Frank: Why are you taking Ibuprofen/Advil? It's a blood thinner, like aspirin, which you don't need during the healing process, unless it has something to do with your heart issues. I say stick with the Tylenol BUT call your doctor to verify this.

Sorry to hear about your post-surgical experience(s). Sounds like you're on your way to recovery though. And yes, for many of us, sitting for any period of time was literally a pain in the *** for a few weeks after surgery. Lie down a few times a day; walk as best you can tolerate it, and get a nice soft pillow to put under your backside before you sit on a hard chair It'll get better with time.

Tom

D.O.B - 8/9/52

PSA: First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1

DRE: Negative

Biopsy results 11/22/06. Both lobes involved. Six out of eight cores positive - from 100 percent to 90, to 60, to 50, two 20s and two zeros.

I thought the same thing about the Ibroprophen. I double and triple checked. It is for the swelling. It is clearly in their written instructions standard. Take 650mg of tylenol every 6 hours and take 400 mg of Motrin every 6 hours. Stagger so as to take one or the other every 3 hours for 5 days. I decided in my infinite wisdom to take as needed and it seemed I swelled in certaini areas and urine got kool aid red. Started back up on both with lots of water and rest and the urine changed to as clear as a Colorado spring.